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Volume 26, Issue No . 5 Iyar 5779 / May 2019 GRATITUDE AND GROWTH by Ari Witkin, Rabbinic Intern

Growing up, my family took the old speaking like it. Though at first caught a bit off guard by this adage, “it takes a village to raise rather direct feedback, it has stuck with me as a reminder of both a child” pretty seriously. There were the importance and the responsibility of teaching . More always a lot of people in our lives and powerful than that simple moment of feedback though, is the we were, in turn, quite involved in feeling of encouragement I receive each week from these two theirs. As a kid I understood this as pillars of our community. totally normal, and it really wasn’t until I moved away from home that I realized how lucky I was to have In the winter of my first year here, Zeff and Sklover asked been raised, not just by two wonderful parents, but a whole village if I would step in to take the lead on teaching our of community members who were dedicated to helping me grow students. Recalling my own confirmation experience, I reluctantly into a successful . As I look back at my youth, I can see so agreed to spend my Tuesday evenings with our 10th graders. As clearly now what a blessing that was, and how much of who I am my second group of students is preparing to come before the was shaped by all those people who invested in me their love community as confirmands, I am in awe of just how incredible and support. they are, and how much I have learned by going on this journey with them. For those who don’t know, our confirmation program As I come to the end of my time as the Student here at GJC, invites students to explore what faith means in their own lives I am struck by a similar sense of gratitude for the opportunities, through a year of visiting and studying other religious traditions. guidance, and encouragement I have been blessed to receive In each of our visits the teens have been great ambassadors for from so many members of our community. Serving as your and GJC, as well as inquisitive students of our neighbors’ Student Rabbi has been so much more than simply an internship; religious beliefs and traditions. it has been an experience of tremendous growth personally, professionally, and spiritually. Over the past two years, GJC has Beyond the small moments of learning, the time so many of you become a place I call home and, as I look back at my time here, have taken to help me think and rethink how we build I am overcome by just how big a role this community has played community, how we could make services more accessible or in my life. So it feels only natural for me to affirm, on the precipice create programs that more people are excited about—it has been of my ordination, that, just as it takes a village a raise a child, so the opportunity to be so fully immersed in community for which too does it take a village to raise a rabbi. I am most grateful. From High Holiday celebrations to late-night learning on , brit millot and baby namings to standing What a village we have. From my very first days here I have been room only minyanim, Wednesday pretzels to Sunday bagels, in awe of the vibrancy of our congregation, the wealth of skills and countless impromptu conversations at the Co-op or in the and knowledge, the passion for Judaism and community, and the woods, life as a member of the GJC is beautifully full. commitment to living our values in service of building a more just and peaceful world. As I prepare to move into the next chapter of In one of my favorite lines from the Mishna, Rabbi Nehorai says, my rabbinic career, there are a number of lessons and moments “exile yourself to a place of Torah, and do not say that it will follow from my time at GJC that I know will serve as foundational after you, that your colleagues will make it yours. Do not rely on elements of the community member and rabbi I hope to be. your own understanding.” (Pirke Avot 4:14) How grateful I am to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a community so In the world of seminary education, they talk a lot about full of Torah, to have been your teacher, but more so your developing a “rabbinic voice.” While this means more than just student, and to have received the gift of understanding from so the physical way in which we speak, I will never forget meeting many incredible individuals. As Liz and I prepare to head to Paul Minkoff and Marty Kaplan at kiddush after giving my first Detroit, I can only hope that Rabbi Nehorai proves to be just morning d’var Torah and being told in no uncertain terms a little bit wrong, and that the beautiful Torah I have learned from that if I was going to be the rabbi here, I would have to start this community does indeed follow me. SHABBAT & HOLIDAYS MAZAL TOV! May 3 & 4 IN CELEBRATION OF... • Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night service) • BBMM Family Shabbat Dinner & Siyyum • Kol D’mamah Shabbat Experience with Weisman Maxine Wray, daughter of Jill Gurvey and Matthew Wray, • Dorshei Derekh w/ Charry Service: Mazal tov to on becoming Bat Ezra Stern, son of Richard Stern & Mindy Brown, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Toby Kessler-Cohen, son of Gwynn Kessler and Tamara Cohen, • Masorti Memorial Shabbat on becoming Bar Mitzvah May 10 & 11: GJC Family Retreat Weekend • Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night service) IN MEMORIAM • Parashat ha-Shavua B’Ivrit Samuel Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg May 17 & 18 • Shabbat Together (Friday night service) Roselle Numerof, mother of Brenda Laigaie z”l, mother-in-law • Charry Service: 6th grade Torah / 5th grade of David Laigaie and grandmother of Grace and Jake • Musical Marching Minyan Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff, and long-time member May 24 & 25 of Germantown Jewish Centre • Shabbat in the Neighborhood (Friday night service) John Phillips, husband of Gina Michaels May 31 & June 1: Pride Shabbat • Friday Night Pride Rabbi Emet Tauber, nephew of Judith Miller • Pride Shabbat June 7 Marciene Mattleman, wife of Herman Mattleman, mother • Shabbat Warmup Storytime @ Big Blue Marble of Barbara Mattleman, grandmother of Arielle and Max, and • Speed Shabbat long-time member of Germantown Jewish Centre June 8: Erev Shavuot HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH • Charry Service: Confirmation Shabbat H H • Shabbat Sha’Baby H WELCOME H • Parashat ha-Shavua B’Ivrit H H • Tikkun Leyl Shavuot NEW MEMBERS H H June 9: Shavuot I H Abigail Weber H • Sunrise Service Joseph and Marilyn Kushick • Minyan Masorti & Charry Shavuot Service H H • Dorshei Derekh Shavuot Service w/ Yizkor HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH June 10: Shavuot II • Charry Shavuot Service w/ Yizkor • Minyan Masorti Shavuot Service w/ Yizkor ISRAELI June 14 & 15 DANCING • Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night service) • Charry Service: Mazal tov to Lucy Kroll, daughter of Sundays at 10 AM Janet Kroll, on becoming Bat Mitzvah May 5, 12, 19 • June 2, 16 June 21 & 22 Taught by our wonderful, experienced dance teacher, Grant • Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night service) Shulman, GJC’s Israeli dance group welcomes dancers of all • Dorshei Derekh w/ Charry Service: Mazal tov to ages and levels. We begin each session with 45 minutes of Yossi Ravital, child of Ameet & Genie Ravital, on beginner dances, followed by instruction, review, open becoming B’nei Mitzvah dancing, and requests with increasing levels of difficulty. June 28 & 29 GJC’s dance group is proud to be friendly and inclusive. • Shabbat in the Neighborhood (Friday night service) For more information, • Charry Service: Mazal tov to Diana Tamir & Abi Weber please contact Tamar Magdovitz at on their aufruf [email protected]

2 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Denise Wolf, GJC President

Ok, I admit it: I am an avid fan of the shop similarly reflected concern for what American Judaism Little Shop. I love it. I love the items on should look like, and many of the objects sold in them blurred display. I love the cheery and helpful tradition with modern forms, employing Jewish artists and volunteers who work there. I love how creating a thriving Judaica industry. Underlying this new attention it makes me feel when I browse. to aesthetics, however, was deep tension about living in diaspora after , embracing modern American consumerism Besides the convenience of being able and its assimilationist logic, and, also, making Jewishness visible.” to purchase a last-minute birthday gift for an 8-year-old, or selecting Today, our Little Shop continues its legacy of bringing Judaism a gorgeous Nambé bowl for my into our homes. It certainly has assisted my family in this manner. mother-in-law, the Little Shop has Our purchases contain the memories of our family. When we shared many life events with me. moved to our new home, my husband, Paul, selected a mezzuzah Through thick and thin, it has stuck for the front entrance. My eldest son sifted through catalogues with me, and I with it. But, before I poetically reflect upon of kippot for his Bar Mitzvah at the Little Shop. I chose my my unflappable devotion to this 560-square-foot space on the first and only tallis at the Little Shop. I had never worn one second floor of the Religious School wing, I will provide some before; never even considered it. Yet, volunteer Marcy Bacine historic context. encouraged me and helped me select a beautiful prayer shawl that I proudly wear. My youngest son blew many of the at While doing some research for this article, I learned that the Little Shop before he selected one for the High Holidays. gift shops first emerged on the American Jewish (I wiped each one down with disinfectant afterwards!) Once, at landscape after World War II, at a time when many vacated a distance, I observed another woman’s son purchase, with his the large cities and moved to suburban pastures and built new own savings, a heart necklace for a girlfriend. I will never forget . According to Joellyn Zollman, who wrote her how volunteer Leslie Pontz patiently assisted him in selecting the doctoral dissertation on the history of synagogue gift shops, piece and worked with him in his gift-wrapping choices, treating “there was a shift of focus from Americanizing Jews to Judaizing him with utmost respect on what was certainly an important Americans. Once Jews had successfully acculturated into society, moment in his life. Every year before , I lovingly Judaism needed to be reintroduced into their lives,” with the purchase a at the Little Shop, which I light to gift shop as the primary source for all things Judaica. Once the remember my mother, Ruth. All of my most-cherished memories State of Israel was established in 1948, synagogue gift shops are reflected within the walls of that 560-square-foot space. carried items made in Israel to connect to the Holy Land. By the end of the 1950s, promoting a sisterhood The Little Shop is run by extraordinary volunteers from the gift shop was part of the national agenda for the Women’s League Women of GJC. Connie Katz, Marcy Bacine and Leslie Pontz use for and Reform congregations, and to their fine judgement to select items to sell: jewelry, wines, a lesser extent, orthodox synagogues. The gift shop not only children’s toys, Judaica and books. Each item is carefully became a source of revenue, but a mechanism for educational considered to appeal to a range of tastes and price points. The awareness and Jewish living. By offering Judaica, synagogue result is a treasure trove of wares. The Little Shop is a hallmark of sisterhoods could assist in enriching the spiritual lives of American the Jewish seasons and its inventory updates accordingly. With Jewish households. just a quick glance from the entrance, a shopper knows what holiday is approaching. Fair Trade gelt abounds for the Hanukah I asked GJC member, Dr. Lila Berman, Professor of History at season, honey dishes on Rosh Hashanah, matzah covers on Temple University and renowned expert on American Jewish , and groggers on . “Running the Little Shop is History, how the synagogue gift shop has influenced Jewish a labor of love,” explained Connie Katz, who, along with Patty culture. Dr. Berman explained that “synagogue gift shops arose in Segal, reinvigorated the store in 1982. In the early years, Connie exactly the same years that American Jews devoted more and Marcy travelled to art shows in New York City to purchase attention and resources to aesthetics. In the post-World War II Judaica directly from artists. They would buy two of everything, years, they invested millions of dollars in new buildings, designed reasoning that, in the event the item did not ultimately sell, Marcy by star architects, and festooned with artistic objects crafted by and/or Connie would personally buy it! some of the most famous artists of the time. The synagogue gift (Continued on page 4)

www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (continued)

The prices are all discounted. Because there are no overhead For me, the volunteers of the Little Shop have imparted pearls of expenses (no wages, no rent), the prices are quite competitive, wisdom over the years, in addition to expertise on gift purchases. and often cheaper than what you may find in the mall or even on- I can remember, as an overwhelmed mother of young kids, line. All proceeds from the Little Shop are poured directly into the stopping into the Little Shop after dropping my boys at Religious synagogue’s coffers. Your purchases from the Little Shop School for some shopping therapy. I was not only looking for positively impact our operating budget. Still, online competition a specific item but, also soliciting parenting advice. Whether I was poses a challenge and, in recent months, sales have suffered. But, fretting over a child who was a “reluctant reader,” or exasperated the reality is that the Little Shop is more than a mere store and by the disorganized contents of my son’s backpack, Connie Katz, can never be replaced by the likes of Amazon. with her warm smile, along with other caring volunteers, reassured me that things would be just fine as they shared their It is a cozy place to connect with others. When a customer own parenting challenges, yet ultimate successes. announces that she needs a or a Bat Mitzvah gift, or a congregant needs wine for his Passover table, conversations are Every self-respecting synagogue needs a gift shop. To me, sparked, and laughter is often heard. For Marcy Bacine, a synagogue without a gift shop is missing an essential volunteering in the Little Shop has been rewarding as it enables component. A community needs a heart, and ours is the her to to know the children of the synagogue and the younger Little Shop. families. At times, it can get quite crowded in the small space, which is certainly part of the charm.

NEWS FROM THE MEN’S CLUB by Dick Menin, President

“Even Glitches Turn Out OK.” women included! The best kind of programs spur sharing thoughts and experiences. It was planned for months. The Men’s Club showed a film entitled “There are Jews Here.” It tells the story of four We’re still looking for people to extend our monthly involvement communities in the United States, each having to deal with with the Jewish Relief Agency. Look to the Shabbat Bulletin or a decreasing population of Jews in the local area and trying to get in touch with Jim Meyer at [email protected] or me at keep synagogues and communities together. This clearly was [email protected] if interested. a note that touched many of us. More than 40 people came to the Maslow for the showing. By a quirk of fate, Susan Melnick, sister of Peter Maas, a Jewish archivist and a participant in the movie, was with us and was able to add considerable background to the story. About one quarter of the way into the show, the projector started skipping and flickering and no amount of cleaning or even changing to a spare disc allowed the film to continue. It was clearly the projector. We were doomed!

But no, the parts of the movie that had been shown and the preliminary remarks by Susan sparked a conversation by participants, several of whom came from towns with similar histories. The focus expanded into a lively discussion of common experiences. Although the cut-short movie experience was disappointing, the movie served its purpose of both education and helping us connect more deeply with one another.

I view the focus of Men’s Club as being a conduit to enhance relationships among members of the shul and our guests, Susan Melnick speaks to the attendees of the Men’s Club event.

4 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ GJC THANKS OUR NEDIV LEV AND ROSH PINAH MEMBERS

“A gift from generous hearts” (Exodus 25:2) Within the GJC community, we are fortunate to have a growing number of members who give above and beyond, year after year. Nediv Lev, our pillar members, provides a backbone to the GJC community, and their commitment enables the shul to provide for the needs of all our members. We especially thank the following members for helping our shul continue to offer the highest possible level of education, religious, and social programming: Marcy & Dan Bacine Jane & Richard Baron Peninah & Albert Berdugo Harold Berger Linda & Jake Kriger Chris & Steve Levin Barbara & Dick Menin Martha & Chuck Schleifer Allyson & David Schwartz Dveera Segal & Brad Bridge Denise Scott Brown Patty & Steve Segal Stefanie & Alex Seldin Elise Singer & Don Perelman Joan N. Stern ***************** “The humblest of stones has become the chief cornerstone.” [‘Rosh Pinah’] (Psalm 118:22) GJC expresses its deep gratitude for the generous support of its congregants who have chosen the Rosh Pinah (Cornerstone) level of membership. Their contribution provides crucial support, enabling us to serve the entire GJC community. We cannot adequately thank the following members for their commitment to Germantown Jewish Centre: Marta & Chip Becker Michael Beer Sarah Braun & Shai Gluskin Evelyn Eskin & David Major Rachel Falkove & Michael Masch Helen & Michael Feinberg Dayle Friedman & David Ferleger The Hahn & Weiss Family Myra & Gert Jacobsohn Barbara Jaffe & Howard Langer Hillary & Judd Kruger Levingston Paul Minkoff Cyrilla Rosen Jessica & Mathieu Shapiro Beth Stearman Betsy & David Teutsch Denise Wolf & Paul Rudick

For information on joining one of these giving circles, please contact Nina Peskin at [email protected]. www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 5 TIKKUN OLAM by Reena Sigman Friedman

Because We Were Strangers in the Land of Egypt: GJC Leads in Building a Refugee Advocacy Coalition

They came because they each had a grandparent or parent who discuss specific strategies for approaching their particular had immigrated to America in the early twentieth century or after congressional representatives. World War II in search of a better life; or they came because the Torah commands us to care for “the stranger” in our midst. In addition, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, Executive Director of HIAS They came because they believe that, given Jews’ historical Pennsylvania, described her organization’s activities, and urged experience of anti-Semitism and migration, we have an obligation participants to check the HIAS PA website for ways in which they to help other people fleeing persecution and violence. Others can get involved on the local level. (HIAS PA is separate from came because they feel compelled to respond to the struggles national HIAS, but works in partnership with it.) Dveera Segal, of refugees and asylum seekers hoping to come to the United President of HIAS Pennsylvania and Judith Bernstein-Baker, States today. former Executive Director of HIAS Pennsylvania, also attended the session. About 60 people, from 16 synagogues and Jewish organizations throughout the Philadelphia area, attended a five-hour HIAS HIAS staff members told the group that similar trainings had been Refugee Advocacy Training session, held at GJC on Sunday, held in nine other states, indicating that a grassroots movement March 24. The three-member HIAS team provided a wealth of on behalf of refugees is growing in the Jewish community information about the needs of refugees and asylum seekers, nationwide. They added that ours was the largest such training emphasizing that we are now “facing the worst refugee crisis in to date. They emphasized the critical importance of grassroots recorded history,” with over 68.5 million displaced people and advocacy in supporting the work that HIAS does, and assured 25.4 million refugees worldwide. At this time of critical need, the participants that they will continue to provide resources and Trump administration has reduced the number of refugees guidance, as needed. admitted to this country and placed more administrative obstacles in the way of those seeking asylum here. The HIAS Sunday’s program grew out of a series of meetings of GJC representatives made concrete recommendations for ways in members, spearheaded by Seth Lieberman and Joyce Lieberman, which we, as constituents, can urge our elected officials to take that began in the wake of last October’s Refugee Shabbat. Some action on this critical issue. members of that group devoted themselves to advocacy and planned Sunday’s gathering as a first step in that process. Another Merrill Zack, HIAS’s Vice-President for Community Engagement, subgroup is engaged in direct support services to immigrants in explained that HIAS was founded in 1881 to support the our area and some are working on actions to support refugees, migration and resettlement of Jewish immigrants. In the last 25 immigrants and asylum seekers including opposing family years, the organization has assisted mostly non-Jewish refugees separation and other injustices. around the world, including Iranian refugees in the Resettlement Support Center in Vienna, African asylum seekers in Israel and The training session was free of charge, the costs having been Venezuelan refugees across Latin America. Meggie Weiler, Policy borne by HIAS and GJC. Many thanks to GJC for hosting the Officer for HIAS, focused on HIAS’s efforts to press the program, to HIAS for an outstanding training, and to the Centre’s administration to adhere to its stated goal of admitting 30,000 Men’s Club for providing the food. GJC volunteers pitched in and refugees for fiscal year 2019, increase that number to at least took on many tasks to help coordinate the training. 75,000 for fiscal year 2020, and support “administrative policies that uphold the fundamental right to seek asylum” while As the program concluded, Seth Lieberman expressed his hope that opposing those that do not. Kirzner, Director of members of other congregations and Jewish organizations will join Grassroots Campaigns for HIAS (and a member of GJC), outlined GJC in the leadership of this emerging refugee advocacy coalition, principles of community organizing and effective advocacy— which will meet regularly. He challenged participants to take the providing information, making specific requests, and maintaining information gleaned from today’s session and schedule meetings relationships. Participants later divided into smaller groups to with their elected representatives in the next four to five weeks.

6 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ TIKKUN OLAM (continued)

Those attending the session were sobered by descriptions of the formidable challenges facing refugees and asylum seekers today and were eager to take action in support of them. One participant commented that this is a “very emotional and intense subject,” and another appreciated the factual content and discussion of ways to move forward.

Merrill Zack reported that HIAS has created a Haggadah focusing on the global refugee crisis, available on the HIAS website. (See www.HIAS.org/Passover.) As mentioned during the training, the Exodus is the Jewish people’s original migration story; we are enjoined to care for the stranger “because we were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

To join our GJC initiative, please contact Seth Lieberman ([email protected]) or Joyce Lieberman ([email protected]).

To find out about other volunteer opportunities through HIAS PA, Attendees at the HIAS Refugee Advocacy Training, see www.hiaspa.org, and click on the volunteer button. held in the Temin Canteen Room

We are eagerly waiting to see you at THE LITTLE SHOP! We are your one-stop shop for all your gifts for yourself and others. We have wonderful gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, and anniversaries, as well as beautiful hostess gifts, Judaica, books, toys, candles, and so much more. Check out of brand new inventory of jewelry, scarves, wine, and serving ware.

Special May and June Discounts Add another 10% off during Early Bird Special times of Wed-Fri 12:00-3:00 pm (usual exclusions apply).

MAY Specials JUNE Specials MIMOSA Sundays Challah boards, plates, 10% off all items! May 19 and June 2 knives and covers (Can be combined with our Early Bird Special)

SPRING AND SUMMER STORE HOURS May through June 9 • Wednesdays 12:00-7:30, Thursdays & Fridays 12:00-5:00, and Sundays 9:00-12:30 June 10 through August • Wednesdays & Fridays 12:00-5:00 Contact Connie Katz or Marcy Bacine, they can accommodate any Little Shop purchases you might want outside of store hours. YOU PERFORM A MITZVAH when buying at the Little Shop; all profits go to support GJC programs. *Usual discount exclusions are books, wine, scrolls and .

www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 7 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Ellie & Elliott Seif by Linda Kriger

After graduating from Brooklyn College, Elliott went to Harvard University and earned a master’s degree in social science education. He and Ellie married in 1964, and lived in Boston during his last year at Harvard. They moved to Freeport, Long Island, where Elliott taught social studies in middle school/high school. He then entered a PhD program in education at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1970, he was hired to teach in the education department at Temple University. “We wanted to come back east,” Elliott said. “Our family was in New York City.”

Elliott taught at Temple for 12 years and became a full professor. He left during the upheaval at Temple when 48 tenured faculty members were laid off. He then took a job in the Bucks County Intermediate Unit as director of curriculum and instruction services “to provide staff and curriculum development to Bucks County educators,” he explained. “Working with all twelve of the county’s school districts was initially very hard, but it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I loved my job. It bridged the gap between the idealism of a university professor Elliott and Ellie Seif in Denali, Alaska, 2014 and the practical reality of collaborating with people who were Ellie and Elliott Seif sat in their light-filled sunroom, exchanging working with children. I happily remained at the Intermediate Unit glances, adding to each other’s sentences, laughing together, and for 20 years.” completing each other’s thoughts, just as you’d expect a couple married 55 years to do. “Elliott’s a phenomenal writer,” Ellie said. “He’s published several books and published lots of articles and blogs about education. Both were born and grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, about He’s also conducted workshops for educators all over the a mile apart, and met at Brooklyn College as undergraduates. Ellie world.” Elliott added that he’s now writing a book about the received an elementary education degree from Brooklyn College, kind of rigorous education children need to live well in a 21st a master’s degree in educational media at Temple, and, some century world. years later, a school principal certification from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught elementary school for several years, The Seifs came to GJC when they moved to Philadelphia and and then, in the Philadelphia and Montgomery County public became friendly with a number of families who belonged to schools, in the gifted program. She became a principal and served GJC. They went on a GJC retreat in the summer of 1971, and for four years at the Bridgeton and Tinicum elementary schools in Elliott recalled that “out of that retreat a havurah was formed,” Bucks County, and then for 15 years at the Blair Mill Elementary which included twelve families, all with young children, both School in Montgomery County. GJC and non-GJC members. “We created alternative High Holiday services, and met in the synagogue,” he said. “Once When asked what kind of principal she was, Ellie brought out a month on Friday nights, our families all gathered together on a hard-covered blue book called Forever Friends that was the bimah in the Charry Sanctuary at 6 o’clock before the regular presented to her when she retired. In it, every student in the service and used our own Friday night service, with alternative school wrote a loving letter with a drawing for her. One of the music and readings. Then we went down to the canteen room, things that her students loved and remembered was her frequent danced to Israeli music (Elliott played the accordion) and had reading challenge to them. She challenged them to collectively dinner together.” read a million minutes or more, telling her students that if they met the goal, she’d do magical things. “One year I was on the roof Although some synagogue members objected to our separate of the school in a gorilla costume and threw a baseball back and services and to non-members using the synagogue facilities, forth to students below,” she recalled. “Another year the entire Rabbi Charry supported and welcomed us,” Elliott said. school and I danced the Macarena with the Philly Phanatic. Two “Unfortunately, this havurah broke up in 1975 or 1976, but we other challenges resulted in my being cut in half by a magician joined a second havurah that met outside the synagogue and and wearing a boa constrictor around my neck!” have been part of that havurah ever since.” 8 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT (continued)

Ellie added, “I think that the creation of the first havurah and its Community Advisory Board for over ten years and has been the connections to the synagogue opened GJC up to becoming Chair for the last five. a community of communities. For my master’s thesis, I made a 10-minute documentary about our havurah and what it Asked what GJC means to him, Elliott replied, “For me, represented for its members and this very diverse community.” Germantown is a community of people we’ve known for many, many years. But the two special things for me are G’vanim, which Elliott and Ellie have two daughters, Karen and Deborah, each of provides me with the ability to perform from all over whom celebrated a Bat Mitzvah at GJC. Karen and her wife, the world with very talented musicians, and being involved in Christine, recently moved from Boston to Wisconsin, where they Tikkun Olam, with the wonderful group of GJC members who both work at Carthage College, Christine as a vice president and work to serve others.” Karen in the counseling department. They have two sons. Deborah and her husband, Joshua, live in Staunton, Virginia. Ellie’s creative spirit these days emerges from her photography. Deborah was an actor and director in Philadelphia for many years “When our daughters were children, she was the neighborhood and she is now an artist and works in social service. photographer,” Elliott said proudly. “Many people still have her photographs of their children when they were young hanging on Karen grew up being very active in the Habonim movement, and their walls.” In retirement, she has gone back to her photography, she was also one of six who gender-integrated Central High doing landscapes, street photography, and special themed School in 1983. Two of the other girls were Jessie Bonn and Rachel photography. An exhibit of her recent photographs, called “Faces Gafni, whose families are also members of the synagogue. of Philadelphia,” was shown this February and March at the Highpoint Café on Carpenter Lane. She added, “I also make Both Ellie and Elliott retired in 2003, and have remained busy and greeting cards and sell them to benefit the Picasso project, active. Elliott has played the accordion since he was eight years sponsored by Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), old. In high school, Elliott was one of 40 accordion players who which provides grants to teachers to bring art, music, and drama played classical music in an accordion symphony that performed projects into classrooms in the Philadelphia School District.” at New York’s Town Hall. He was also part of an accordion quartet that won many competitions, and even performed at the Bellevue Ellie also does volunteer photography work for Habitat for Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. He now plays the accordion with Humanity, Weavers Way, G’vanim, and the synagogue as the GJC band G’vanim, which has given many concerts at GJC and a whole. made its first album, Singing before the Gates, which can be downloaded from CD Baby and iTunes. She is also very politically active. “I’m in a women’s group that meets monthly to strategize and take action to turn Elliott has also played the accordion for many of GJC member’s Pennsylvania from red to blue.” She is also is engaged with NW children’s celebrations, both solo and with Philadelphia Indivisible, a political action group that advocates for the Philadelphia Klezmorim, a trio founded with Marty Millison progressive causes. and Eve Pinkenson. The Philadelphia Klezmorim also toured the Soviet Union in 1989, and performed klezmer music for refuseniks Another very special group that Ellie is involved in began seven in four Soviet cities. years ago when she started taking a course called Growing Older: Provisions for the Journey, designed and led by Rabbi Dayle Besides his musical life, Elliott’s interests now reside firmly in Friedman. “It was a one-year course that has lasted for seven social action. Currently, he serves on the Tikkun Olam years and is still going strong. Rabbi Dayle led the group for Coordinating Team (TOCT). “It consists of a wonderful group of five years, and in the last two years Rabbi Marjorie Berman has people who promote Tikkun Olam in our synagogue,” he been our leader. There are 12 women in the group who have explained. “We help to support GJC members who are involved gained knowledge, strength and wisdom from both rabbis and in homeless initiatives and in tutoring children in local public from each other.” schools. We encouraged GJC to become a member of POWER. We have a strong Fair Trade initiative, and we are starting an When asked what GJC means to her, Ellie said “For me, GJC is initiative in adult literacy.” All very exciting! history, friendship, and community. I feel like I have a Jewish home here.” Since his retirement, Elliott has also been involved as a volunteer in the Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social …One more thing: Ellie is an avid pickle ball player. Justice, a Philadelphia public school. He has served on the school’s

www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 9 WOMEN OF GJC by Sandy Meyer & Vilma Lieberman, Co-Presidents

Purim Bash Barb Menin prepared the bid sheets, Joan Silver and Maxine Once again this year’s Feldman worked with Centre Catering to create a delicious menu; Purim Bash proved to Sandy Meyer handled the bid management team and Rebekah be an extraordinary Krantz Nielson organized the teen volunteers for the Bash. Vilma event. Well over 200 and other volunteers completed the final checkout. Rabbi Alanna people attended—the Sklover and Marilyn set up childcare for the evening and Michelle largest crowd yet for Bernstein organized the ECP raffle baskets with the help of the Purim Bash. The ECP parents. event brought together so many people from The Purim Bash was a great success due to the many volunteers our Community of Communities at GJC. From the various ages who worked on this event for months leading up to it. The office represented, we could say that the Purim Bash ran the gamut of and maintenance staff and Centre Catering do everything in their alphabet soup: from Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, to Gen Z. The Purim power to make this a fun and successful evening. A special thank Spiel, dancing, and the restaurants, vacations and services offered you to Eric Word for his exceptional problem solving powers. through the auction made this year’s Bash the most financially successful one to date. You, the attendees and contributors all make this important event a success. The result of everyone’s hard work: GJC President “What I love about the Purim Bash is that it brings together all Denise Wolf was handed a check for $26,000 to support the of our community to party, to pick up great restaurant gift synagogue’s budget. We thank everyone for their participation!! certificates, trips and, as always, a trip to the Super Bowl,” said Marilyn Kraut. “We just have a lot of fun. People have asked for Women’s Shabbat more dancing, and we decided to work that into the schedule,” Women’s Shabbat, another yearly highlight of WGJC activities, she added. The Super Bowl tickets were won once again by was once again well attended and a real treat for all. Rabbi Annie Sam Magdovitz. Lewis, our former Assistant Rabbi, gave a provocative d’var and teaching session on “Jewish Feminist Theology of Liberation,” “The Bash is by far the biggest thing we do all year,” said Vilma a very timely subject. Lieberman, co-president of Women of GJC. “The money goes directly back to the synagogue. We give to the operating budget Torah Fund and to the Religious School; we run the Little Shop and all income Torah Fund Brunch was Sunday, May 5, and this year’s honoree goes directly back to GJC.” was Yona Diamond Dansky, our WGJC Past President, resident photographer, Israeli Dancer supreme and overall nice person. This year’s Purim Spiel was “The Megillah Man,” which was based Torah Fund appreciates the efforts of all of our many volunteers on “The Music Man,” with witty lyrics by Chuck Schleifer and and attendees who help to support the Jewish Theological Helen Feinberg. Rabbi Adam Zeff was the Music Director, and the Seminary in several countries through their contributions incomparable GJC Choir, who spent many hours rehearsing for to this yearly event. This year’s speaker, Elaine Culbertson, this performance, sang it beautifully. Program Director, Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teacher’s Program, is a former high school English teacher and school This year’s live auction featured two tickets to Tootsie, the new administrator. She is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Holocaust play on Broadway. (Synagogue members Betsy and Theodore Education Council. As every year for Torah Fund Brunch, Hershberg’s daughter, Jessica, is married to the lead, Santo everyone is welcome to attend at no charge (however, Fontina.) There were trips to the Scottish Highlands, to Tuscany, contributions are happily accepted). an African adventure.

“Marilyn Kraut organized the dickens out of this,” said Vilma. Many other volunteers helped. Dena Lake was in charge of the restaurant silent auction. Nan Myers did publicity; Alisa Kraut created the Bash poster; Nan Daniels handled registration; Connie Katz and Marcy Bacine secured the 5-Star and live auction items while also soliciting a record number of patrons and sponsors. Elana Emas was our auctioneer. Marcy Fish planned the themed decorations and with a small team of Women of GJC board members, created imaginative, colorful, festive environments for the Bash. Barb Menin, Sandy Meyer and Yona Dansky prepared the program booklet and description sheets. 10 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ MEMBER MEMORIES Fringe Benefits by Susan Weiss

While sitting at Shabbat services, I asked my friend if she had a tissue. She opened her bag and first unloaded her house and car keys, then a bag full of candy, extra kippot, hair clips, and finally a full package of tissues. Have our tallit bags become our new pocketbooks? Are we not only ready for prayer but for any needed family or friend emergency? I looked into my tallit bag. I had my car and house keys, an extra kippa clip, my father’s tallit clip, lipstick, and a nail file. Never know, might break a nail as the hagbahah (Torah lifter) or golelet (Torah dresser). This got me thinking: What do other women have in their tallit bags? Are our tallit bags the go- to utility drawer? Are we not only wrapping ourselves in a tool that reminds us of God’s commandments but carrying a toolbox to care for others?

I grew up in a synagogue where women did not wear tallitot. When I decided to continue my Jewish learning as an adult, I wanted to participate more fully. One of the actions I took was to wear a tallit. I went to the Little Shop. That experience in the Little Shop still remains one of my most loving memories as a member of GJC. There were several women shopping in the Little Shop that day, and they noticed I was trying on different tallitot. When they inquired and I told them I was looking for my first tallit, the selection became a group process. What doesn’t at GJC? They searched with me, gave opinions on how each looked and supported my decision. That was more than two decades ago. I think about that day and those women every time I wrap myself in my tallit. However, I never thought my tallit bag would become a tool kit. Just as our tallitot nurture our souls, the contents of our tallit bags can support and strengthen the bonds between us.

Next time you are at Shabbat services, take a moment to ask those seated near you, “What’s in yours?” Open your tallit bag, then share and connect. There are fringe benefits to be explored.

PS: King Saul’s daughter Michal wore a tallit. Wonder what she carried in her tallit bag...camel snacks?!

THANK YOU

Germantown Jewish Centre extends thanks and gratitude to the Wolfe Family Foundation for generously supporting and making our programming possible.

www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 11 12 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 13 GJC’s EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM (ECP) by Ariel Cohen, Lead Teacher of the Chaverim Class

Part of the curriculum in the Chaverim Classroom (Infants) younger counterparts get paint on a brush from a bowl of paint or focuses on sharing. This includes helping friends and learning holding the canvas while their friend was painting. Throughout through fun craft experiences. The children painted a canvas over the course of the project, the children learned to make wide paint the span of three weeks, alternating painting by themselves and strokes and dotting techniques, and what happens with a little vs. painting with a friend from the Gesher Classroom (2-3 year olds). a lot of paint. This project was a great way of having the younger The older students learned the importance of helping their children interact with the older children in a creative environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

ECP is a special place for young children from 6 months through 5 years of age and for their families. Through the lens of and tradition, our children learn about themselves and the world around them in a program which emphasizes learning through doing. The Early Childhood Program nurtures and respects individuality, while encouraging the children to develop a sense of community and friendship. The preschool follows the yearly cycle of the . Jewish culture, traditions, and values are woven into our curriculum. Through Mitzvot (commandments), (charity), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the children learn to respect themselves, others and the world they live in. We are committed to teaching and promoting respect and understanding of all persons. GJC’s Early Childhood Program is open to all!

PLANNED GIVING & NER TAMID

Remembering Germantown Jewish Centre in your will, a trust, or retirement asset is a meaningful way to ensure that your commitment to our community continues to help our synagogue thrive for generations to come. For more information on how you can include GJC in your estate plans, please contact Nina Peskin at 215-844-1507 x12.

14 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 15 NEWS FROM HAZAK (55+ programming) We Remember Them…. by Helen Feinberg & Coleman Poses, Co-Chairs

When we were asked to chair HAZAK, we did so with a good deal agreed. She wasn’t at the February meeting when we discussed of trepidation. Most of the active members were many years older the book, but all who read it thought it was a really interesting than we, and as upstarts to this organization, we lacked a certain and thought-provoking novel. That was Sonia: a curious, funny, credibility necessary to carry on its success. What we did have, honest, provocative, hard-working woman who did everything. however, was Sam Feinberg, who was ready and able to help us She read Torah, she read Haftarah, she sang in the GJC Choir, she to bridge our initiatives with HAZAK’s past accomplishments. For spearheaded the HAZAK book group for years. Always dressed years, HAZAK’s signature program was “Opera under the Stars,” in the latest attractive garments, always put together. She didn’t held every August at GJC. Sam hosted this program, which complain; she celebrated all that life offered and made the best of included his commentary on film clips—sometimes rare archives everything. We will miss her. —of his favorite operas and voices. With his haimish style, he was able to make this highbrow art form accessible to GJC audiences. We will miss them both. Nor was Sam’s knowledge confined to opera. He was an expert on wine, Sherlock Holmes, World War II, and a number of other subjects. He was always eager to impart his knowledge and DID YOU KNOW? theories, and to listen to the opinions of others, while continuing HAZAK programs are planned for those age 55+, and are to expand his interests and knowledge into new areas. Sam geared to reflect both common interests and get us to “stretch” continued to work with us on his opera programming, while to try new activities as well. Our well-attended book group encouraging us to take HAZAK into fresh territory, and, although meets monthly all year long. HAZAK also sponsors book talks we were the youngsters in the group, he always treated us as by local authors, as well as speakers on topics of particular grown-ups. We will miss Sam deeply as we endeavor to fulfill his importance to our interests, and several times a year we show vision for HAZAK. great films. We also take day trips to cultural and natural sites in the area, often to places members have never been. HAZAK It is hard to say goodbye to Sonia Dishler. As her son Lou said is for all of us to stay connected to GJC and to each other: to recently, “She was a force of nature.” Up until the end of her life, venture out and experience parts of our city we haven't seen she was fully involved, certainly in the life of HAZAK at GJC. Just before, to read, learn and talk together, to keep us strong. We two months ago she recommended a book to the monthly book hope you will join us. Membership is $10/year. group. She hadn’t read it, but because Sonia recommended it, we

A PERSONAL REFLECTION ON WOMEN’S SHABBAT by Wendy Weingarten

The annual Women’s Shabbat, which took place on March 30th, kahal (congregation), with the subtle reminder that we can be was powerful and poignant. I felt moved by hearing so many kind to ourselves when we don’t live up to our own ideal image. women’s voices joining together in prayer, words of Torah and song. The title of Rabbi Annie Lewis’ inspiring talk at Women’s When Rabbi Annie spoke about Moses shattering the tablets of Shabbat, “More Power to You: Brokenness, Beauty and Breaking the Ten Commandments and that the whole and the broken Free,” echoed many of the themes of Passover (breaking of the pieces of the tablets were carried together in the ark, it was middle matzah, the power of families coming together and of a reminder that all parts of ourselves, the whole and the broken, course the Exodus and our breaking free from slavery). The talk belong together and are holy. She also referenced the Japanese also related to the Women’s service itself. Many of the women art form, kintsukuroi, the practice of putting together that which who participated were not familiar with some of the rituals of is broken “using gold or silver… to create something stronger, the Torah service, so there were slight missteps from time to more beautiful, than it was before.” Women’s Shabbat, with time. For me, this illustrated our humanness, our “brokenness” our strength, talent, beauty and brokenness visible, was and it was uplifting to feel the acceptance and support from the a celebration of joy and the power of all of us coming together.

16 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ GJC ALUMNI Our Israeli Families by Norman Schwartz

In 1960, Leah and I were newlyweds, living in Baltimore. One evening we saw the movie Exodus, and after the movie was over I told Leah that I would like to do post-doctoral research in Israel. Although she didn’t think I was serious, with the help of my doctoral advisor, it happened. In 1962, we spent a year living in Haifa while I did post-doctoral work. It was a wonderful year; we loved living in Israel and made many friends. Little did we know at that time that our connection to Israel would involve the lives of our sons and our grandchildren.

In the early 1980’s, Raphael was dating his childhood sweetheart, Tanya Fiederer, who was also from West Mt. Airy. While Raph was attending Drexel University, Tanya took a trip to Israel to visit her father, who was on sabbatical from Temple University and had recently returned to . While Tanya was in Israel, Raphael Schwartz and his sons she, too, decided to become (religious). She told Raph she would marry him only if he would become frum, too. When Raph realized she was determined to follow a frum life, he spent his third and final Drexel University coop period attending the Aish Ha Torah in . On returning to Drexel in his junior year, he resided in the Lubavitch House on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Raph (age 21) and Tanya (age 19) were married in an orthodox ceremony at the Lower Merion Synagogue in September, 1986. During the first year of their marriage, Tanya gave birth to their first child (Bayla Esther). The family made shortly after Raph finished his graduate studies.

While living first in Bnai Brak, where he attended a (a yeshiva for married men), Tanya and Raph had two more daughters (Chanah and Elisheva). They then moved to Kiryat Mattersdorf Joel Schwartz and his family in Jerusalem where their family increased with addition of their first sons (Yehuda Leib and Yaacov Yosef). Raph continued business further and then decided to close their Israel subsidiary. his kollel studies in Jerusalem and Ramot. In 1993, they moved So, after about a dozen or so years of full-time employment, Raph to Telz Stone, six miles west of Jerusalem. Telz Stone, named after is now collecting a decent severance package. Tanya, in addition philanthropist Irving Stone, is an orthodox community established to being a wonderful mom and bubbe, has become a physical fitness near the biblical town of Kiryat Ye’arim. Mr. Stone had purchased instructor and wellness counselor for Orthodox ladies in Telz Stone. this large area from the neighboring Arab town of Abu Gosh. Telz Five of Raph and Tanya’s children are married and four of the Stone has a large Anglo-Saxon community, mainly from South couples now have children. So Leah and I are now blessed with Africa and United States. great-grandchildren in Jerusalem, G’vat Zeev, Rehovot and Ramat Beit Shemesh. Raph obtained smicha (Orthodox Rabbinical Certification) and was a part-time teacher and lecturer. He also was able to do Our youngest son, Joel, like his brother Raph (and Raph’s wife, part-time computer work. While living in Telz Stone, their family Tanya) attended local Philadelphia public schools. Raph and Joel grew again: Shlomo Zalman, Moshe Aaron, Shifra, Naomi, and both attended GJC , and both became Bar Mitzvah Israel Meir. here. Raph also was confirmed at GJC. Raph treasures his memories of his Bar Mitzvah training from Cantor Benny Maissner. Joel has Raph took a full-time position with an Israeli start-up company a special memory of his Hebrew School class trip to Boro Park in which marketed e-cigarettes, mainly in China. The company was Brooklyn to visit the Bobover Rebbi and his followers. One lovely purchased by the US tobacco company Altria, which grew its note: Joel, who knew Tanya from school, invited her to his GJC Bar www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 17 GJC ALUMNI (continued)

Mitzvah party, and that is where Raph and she met. She was 14 After many unsuccessful dates, Joel met his basherte years old and Raph was 16. That was the beginning of a beautiful (intended one), Sydney Cooper, from Scotch Plains, NJ. Sydney and productive relationship—Baruch Hashem! was ready to return to the States after a year of study at the Neve Yerushalaim women’s seminary in Jerusalem, when Joel proposed Joel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and to her and she said yes. Shortly thereafter, they had their Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. After graduation from engagement party in Scotch Plains, and in December 2000, Joel Law School, he practiced entertainment law in Los Angeles. Two married Sydney at a beautiful wedding in Mevaseret Zion. years later, in 1996, he went to visit his brother and family in Israel. Subsequently, he decided to give up his law practice in California, The newlyweds lived in Har Nof and their first child, Esther Bryna, and to study at the Machon Shlomo yeshiva in Har Nof, Jerusalem. was born in 2002. They moved to Ramat Beit Shemesh and their The Rosh Yeshiva there, Rabbi Berel Gershenfeld, was from Philly children Dovid, Yaacov, Ashira, Hoodie, and their youngest Meir and he was a very positive influence on Joel. He encouraged his (now age 3) followed. students to return to their secular professions after two years of yeshiva studies or to continue with their non-yeshiva education. Our oldest son, Paul, was born in Israel way back when Leah and Joel decided to stay in the frum world, and had an opportunity to I were first there. Like his brothers, he went to Philadelphia public attend the Jerusalem College of Technology. This college was schools and what is now Philadelphia University. He was athletically started by the Israeli government and a group of yeshivot to train inclined and earned his certification as a lifeguard. One summer a young men with an interest and aptitude in the high-tech computer woman at a pool on the Main Line approached him and said, “Boy, area. This helped Israeli high-tech companies to obtain skilled do I have a nice for you!” When Paul and Ava Sonnenthal started Israeli employees, instead of importing non-Jewish high-tech job- to talk, it turned out they were both students at the same school. seekers from third-world countries. Paul and Ava married in 1993, and in 2004, had a daughter, Lily, who was enrolled at ECP for a time. Unfortunately, Paul’s story In 1999, with this training, and his previous American college and ends sadly, as he died of cancer in 2011. But Ava and Lily live in Mt. law school education, Joel obtained a job at an Israeli start-up Airy, and we get to see them often. involved with satellite TV. Around this time Joel decided to begin the process of shidduch (arranged) dating. During his interview with May Hashem continue to bless our Israeli and American families his shadchun (matchmaker), he let her know that it was important and also the State of Israel. that his future wife be American, and have had attended an American college fraternity party and an American rock concert! MINYAN MASORTI MEMORIAL SHABBAT

On Shabbat morning, May 4, 2019, Minyan Masorti hosted Over the years, the Minyan Masorti has evolved, but has a Memorial Shabbat to remember minyan members who have maintained its original purpose of offering traditional egalitarian passed away since the minyan’s origin in 1981. Rabbi Tsurah services and study. Many early minyan members continue to be August, as guest speaker, gave a d’var Torah and spoke after the regulars, but naturally, over the decades, we have lost many service on “Preparing for the End of Life: Navigating the Spiritual, members to geographical relocations, changing circumstances Practical, and Emotional Landscape for Life’s Final Journey.” and minyan choices, and of course to illness and death. As we missed the participation of early minyan lay leaders, we were Rabbi August is staff chaplain for the Jewish Family & Children’s determined to memorialize in a meaningful way those members Service of Greater Philadelphia, and a member of the Board of who had died, and a memorial recognition event was born in Rabbis of Philadelphia and the National Association of Jewish 1998, when a memorial Shabbat service was held for beloved Chaplains. For the past 20 years, she has guided, supported and member Marty Weingarten. In the next few years, Bill Lakritz and comforted families during their times of loss and bereavement, Dan Kamesar were also remembered. A fund was established, integrating her background in the arts into her work. She is also and a new ark, shtender, and stand were creator of “A Loving Good-bye,” which offers individual commissioned. In subsequent years, a Memorial Shabbat service counseling for families and their loved ones to find peace and has been held, and a booklet of biographies of deceased former meaning at end of life, funeral and memorial planning, and minyan members compiled. bereavement counseling. This year’s program included a choral performance of Herb Minyan Masorti has been meeting since 1981, when it was Levine's poetry set to music by the late David Barcan and established to offer an intimate, lay-led, traditional egalitarian completed with the help of minyan member Mitch Hirsch. minyan that includes a full Shabbat morning (or holiday) service A minyan pot-luck lunch, supplemented by Centre Catering, with full Torah reading, d’var Torah, and Musaf service. The followed the service. For more information, contact Wendy members met for several years in Room 206 (originally called the Weingarten, at [email protected]. “206 Minyan”!) until it outgrew the space and subsequently moved to the Canteen Room, where it remains. Contributions to GJC for “MM Memorial Shabbat” are welcome.

18 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK AT GJC by Debbie Stern

GJC Hospitality Network Holds a Workshop on Confronting Family Homelessness in Philadelphia

Our current Hospitality Network volunteers have expressed understanding of homelessness. We heard from the workshop a desire to be the best possible hosts, and to achieve a deeper leaders about strategies to prevent homelessness and ways, other understanding of the homeless families we host twice a year. In than volunteering at GJC, to be involved in these efforts. Thanks response to this request, a hands-on workshop was convened on to the leaders and participants in the workshop! March 31. The workshop was led by Rachel Falkove, GJC member and director of the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network • The next rotation of homeless families at GJC will (PIHN), together with Nzingha Reed, a former alum of the be from Tuesday evening, June 11 – Sunday morning, program. They provided participants with insights into the many June 23. challenges homeless families face, as well as offering tips on how • New volunteers are always welcome to help in moving volunteers can sharpen their skills to best assist our guests while our guests’ possessions in and out of GJC, grocery they eat and spend overnights at GJC. Volunteers also had the shopping, cooking dinners, being dinner hosts, and opportunity to network with one another, sharing their own sleeping overnight at the synagogue when our guests experiences and suggestions for “best practices.” are in residence. • Please contact Debbie Stern, GJC Hospitality Network The workshop was also opened up to those interested in possible chair, at [email protected] or 215-848-9503, for future volunteering and to those simply wishing to deepen their more information or to volunteer.

www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 19 WHAT’S GOING ON WITH OUR BUILDING? PART 3 by Sherman Aronson

As a volunteer member of our House and Design Committee, study, research, samples, and discussions, we settled on a plan I will try to keep you posted about the preservation and to install a new floor. The material is an economical, composite renovation efforts that are underway at the time of this writing. resilient floor tile in larger panels and will be glued down. It will be impervious to moisture, easy to clean, and easy on the feet. During the winter, we have been planning repairs to the Marcus The new flooring will also provide a new look to the room. Auditorium. As you may remember, last summer was especially hot and humid for several weeks. This humidity took quite a toll In addition, we are adding pendant light fixtures from the on the flooring in the Marcus. existing light track on the ceiling. This is an inexpensive way to provide lots more options for how to light the room. They are The Marcus is a great room and we use it for many kinds of movable and can work in conjunction with the spot lights activities. There is not much demand for the space during the already on the tracks, and with the recessed downlights. All the summer months and the air conditioning does not usually run, light bulbs have been replaced with high efficiency LED lamps— except for special events. Parts of the AC system are nearly as using a fraction of the electrical power and providing a clean old as the building and the controls are very simple, so it either white light while saving money. They are all on dimmers and can runs full tilt or is set to “off.” Meanwhile, when we use the AC in be adjusted for meetings, parties, events and carnivals as the Charry Sanctuary under the Marcus (yes, the auditorium and needed. stage are built just above the back of the sanctuary space), we get cold air below and hot humid air above. We are looking forward to attracting even more activities, events, and uses in the great Marcus Auditorium with the Over the years, this has caused many of the small wood parquet improvements. The sketch below provides a rough idea of the floor panels to absorb moisture and come loose. In 2018, it was new improvements, and it if stays on schedule, the work should especially bad and large areas of the floor had to be removed be done about the time this article is printed! and reinstalled. What’s next? We move on to repairing and painting the GJC It was decided to investigate options for the floor. After lots of School windows.

20 www.fac e bo o k.c o m/ g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre/ THE FREEDOM SEDER’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION by Elliott Seif

So what did we do at the Seder? After a dinner attended by over 200 people, 200 more joined in for the Seder rituals and speakers. The program called for us together to ask the traditional Seder question, Why is this night different from all other nights? But instead of the traditional responses to this question we together read the following:

On this night we share our joy and love of one another and for the natural world. On this night we share our pain and sorrow for the sufferings of each other and the Earth. On this night we open our eyes to new ways of seeing what’s true. 50 years ago, as a 35-year-old, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, founder of On this night we define our commitment to act for justice, the Shalom Center in West Mount Airy, created the Freedom peace, and healing. Seder to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been assassinated in April of the previous year, and also to create a In pairs we shared the good things in our lives and ate charoset new type of Seder that was relevant to the challenging times of to remind us of the sweetness of life, but we also ate horseradish the 1960s. You can imagine how, in the mind of a young Jewish to remind us of the sufferings of people among us. We heard man, the story of Passover, from slavery to freedom, connected from Chantay Love, who lost her son to gun violence. We to that moment in history, when we Americans were living listened to beautiful music played by the Children of the Adam through the tumultuous times of assassinations, protests, Band from Masjidullah, by Shawn Zevit, Rabbi of Mishkan Vietnam, the civil rights movement, violence in the streets, and Shalom, by Jack Kessler, and by the Reverend Rhetta political chaos. Morgan. We said the blessings over grape juice (in the spirit of the Muslim ban on alcohol) in many languages, including The original Freedom Seder, written 50 years ago and originally Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish. We heard the Muslim call to published in Ramparts magazine, was used by thousands of prayer, beautifully sung and translated into English. We heard Jews as an alternative Haggadah, because it had direct rousing speeches about anti-Semitism, sexism, racism, anti-gay relevance to the times, and spoke to three issues facing America attacks, unequal school funding, and the military-industrial —racism, militarism, and materialism. complex. The final “prophetic charge,” given so movingly by the Reverend William Barber, called for a new war on the poverty Now, 50 years later, I, my wife, and many other members of of millions of Americans, with a special event on June 5, the day GJC, including Rabbi Zeff and his wife Cheryl Bettingole, were after the end of Ramadan—a march on Washington—of 1000 blessed with the opportunity to attend an event that celebrated clergymen of all faiths. Taking a piece of matzah, we were all the 50th anniversary of that first Freedom Seder. Unfortunately, asked to “act urgently and together” to turn matzah from the many of the same plagues that existed 50 years ago are still with bread of the poor into the bread of freedom for all. We ended by us today. As was written in the program: all singing “Go Down Moses” and saying together “Next year in a world of freedom!” “Fifty years later, we are in crisis again, facing four aspects of tyranny: the onslaught of racism, hatred of foreigners, The program’s written remarks by Rabbi Waskow, entitled and religious bigotry; of militarism at home and overseas; ‘Moving Always Forward, Never Turning Back” ended with the of worsening poverty and overweening materialistic greed following: that extends even to wrecking all Earth for the sake of hyperprofits; and sexism—official and unofficial efforts to “Let us turn the hearts of the Elders and the Youth toward subjugate women and LGBTQ+ communities. Our each other, bringing new life and energy into our varied challenge to these tyrannies carries Dr. King’s clarity, his religious, spiritual, and ethical communities, and renewing courage, and his commitment to new worlds of freedom, a planet, a climate, as life-giving for our grandchildren as it bringing to birth the Beloved Community we all call for.” was for our grandparents!

The Seder was held in the Masjidullah Mosque, which ironically With blessings of shalom, salaam, paz, peace.” was Temple Sinai at one time, and was attended by people of all faiths and colors. The Seder was updated to not only include Amen. racism, materialism, and militarism, but also sexism. www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 21 TODAH RABBAH!

CONTRIBUTIONS from FEBRUARY 2019-MARCH 2019 Sincere thanks and appreciation to those who remember to honor their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.

FUND BY OCCASION Adult Education Fund Carol & Marty Kaplan in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Betsy Richman in memory of Mae Rosner, mother Bess Schick Fund Marina Solt in honor of Mariann E. Schick Chesed Fund Beth Israel Congregation in honor of Rabbi Fredi Cooper, for sharing her teaching on the art of Bikkur Cholim with congregants Early Childhood Program Fund Daniel Bacine in memory of Jeanette Bacine, mother Tamar Jacobson in memory of Beryl Liberman, mother General Fund David & Lucy Casper in memory of Roselle Numeroff, mother of Brenda Laigaie, z”l Bernie Dishler in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Debby Kendall in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Sandra & Burton Klein in memory of Roselle Numeroff, mother of Brenda Laigaie, z”l The Laigaie Family in memory of Roselle Numeroff, mother of Brenda Laigaie, z”l Zina Schiff and Family in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Women of GJC in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff HAZAK Fund Marcy & Dan Bacine in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Delaware Valley Bridge in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff League Members Helen & Michael Feinberg in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Cherie Goren in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg in memory of Leo Fleischman, father in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Jim & Sandy Meyer in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Coleman Poses & in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Ilene Blitzstein Poses in memory of Hattie Segal, mother of Stephen Segal in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Judith Rossman & in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Rebecca Ladenheim Elana Shaw in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Donna Tartasky in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff Interfaith Hospitality Network Hyman Zelkowitz in memory of David Zelkowitz, father Israel Affairs Fund Dena Lake in memory of Michael Rosenman, brother Pearl Raz in memory of Estelle Admonit, mother Carol & Marty Kaplan in honor of Barb & Dick Menin, on their anniversary David Picker in memory of Morris Picker, father Minyan Masorti Rochelle Rabeeya in honor of Ned Kripke, on his special birthday Memorial Shabbat Fund Wendy Weingarten in memory of Rose Weingarten, mother-in-law Music Fund Arlin Adams in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Maurice & Maxine Feldman in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg

22 www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg Contributions continued FUND BY OCCASION Music Fund (continued) Ed & Dena Lake in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Charles Schleifer in memory of Betty Schleifer, mother Martha & Chuck Schleifer in memory of Hattie Segal, mother of Stephen Segal in memory of Ruth Diamond, mother of Yona Diamond Dansky Program Fund Art & Lynne Ellis in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg in honor of Henry Charap, son of Lawrence & Ellyn Charap, on becoming Bar Mitzvah Deborah Stern in memory of Myron Schoen, father Rabbi Zeff’s Discretionary Fund Lila Booth in memory of Elizabeth Wolfman, mother Sylvia Brodsky in memory of Meyer Brodsky, father-in-law in memory of Benjamin Brodsky, husband Joyce Eveloff in memory of Miriam Blumenthal, mother Maxine Field in memory of Howard Field, husband Lynne Furman in memory of Nathan Klieman, father Mindelle Goldstein in memory of Dora Goldstein, mother-in-law in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Allen Gottlieb in memory of Rachel Gottlieb, mother Wendy Horwitz in memory of Melvin Horwitz, father Carol & Marty Kaplan in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff in honor of David & Marilyn Kraut, on the marriage of their son, Larry Barbara Pearson in memory of Morris Balis, grandfather Sandy Sherman in memory of Sydonia Presser, mother-in-law Kenneth Weiss in memory of Bernice Weiss, mother Tikkun Olam Fund Rochelle Fellman in memory of Arthur Abrams, father Elaine & John Frank in honor of Richard Mandel, on his special birthday Lynne Jacobs in honor of Maria Pulzetti, on becoming Bat Mitzvah Torah Restoration Fund George Amrom in memory of Leon Amrom, father in memory of Lou Amrom, brother Kathleen Amrom in memory of Manila Shaver, father in memory of Elizabeth McCain, sister Maurice & Maxine Feldman refuah shleimah to Josh Goldblum, for a speedy recovery Bev Somerson refuah shleimah to Barb Menin, for a speedy recovery refuah shleimah to Phyllis Kauffman, for a speedy recovery Women of GJC Marcy & Dan Bacine in memory of Sonia Dishler, mother of Dodi Klimoff in memory of Roselle Numeroff, mother of Brenda Laigaie, z”l Bonnie Buyum in memory of Sylvia Buyum, grandmother David & Betty Ann Fellner in honor of Genie Ravital, for her creative and tireless work for the Women’s Clothing Exchange Young Families Retreat Fund George & Debbie Stern in honor of Maria Pulzetti, on becoming Bat Mitzvah Youth Activities Fund Curtis & Leslie Pontz in memory of Sam Feinberg, husband of Helene Feinberg Curtis Pontz in memory of Selma Goodman, aunt Jane Tausig in memory of Ted Tausig, father in memory of Carol Ann Tausig, sister www.g e rmanto wnjewishc e ntre.o rg 23 Ge rmanto wn Je wish Ce ntre 400 We st Ellet Stree t PRST STD Philade lphia, PA 19119 U.S. Postage PAID New Berlin, WI Inside Centre Call Permit No. 188

Rabbinic Intern Message...... page 1 Shabbat & Holidays...... page 2 What’s New in the Mishpoche...... page 2 In Memoriam...... page 2 Israel Dancing...... page 2 President’s Message...... page 3 Men’s Club...... page 4 Nediv Lev & Rosh Pinah...... page 5 Tikkun Olam...... page 6 Little Shop...... page 7 Member Spotlight...... page 8 Women of GJC...... page 10 People of the Book...... page 11 Member Memories...... page 11 PRIDE Shabbat...... page 12 ECP...... page 14 HAZAK...... page 16 A Personal Reflection on Women’s Shabbat...... page 16 GJC Alumni...... page 17 Minyan Masorti Memorial Shabbat...... page 18 Interfaith Hospitality Network...... page 19 If you are interested in writing for The Centre Call, we would What’s Going on with Our Building?.....page 20 love to hear your ideas! Please contact Kate Lawn at 50TH Freedom Seder...... page 21 Contributions...... page 22 [email protected]. The deadline for every issue is the 1st of the previous month.

A community of communities www.g e rmanto wnje wishc e ntre.o rg Ph. 215-844-1507 F. 215-844-8309

Denise Wolf P RESIDENT Adam Zeff R ABBI Nina Peskin E XECUTIVE D IRECTOR Rabbi Alanna Sklover D IRECTOR OF L IFELONG L EARNING Gloria Geissler F INANCE D IRECTOR Michelle Bernstein E ARLY C HILDHOOD P ROGRAM D IRECTOR Kate Lawn P ROGRAM D IRECTOR Leonard D. Gordon R ABBI E MERITUS Vilma Lieberman & Sandy Meyer W OMEN OF GJC CO -PRESIDENTS Dick Menin M EN’ S C LUB P RESIDENT

Affiliate d with the Unite d Synag o g ue o f Co nse rvative Judaism www.germantownjewishcentre.org www.facebook.com/ germantownjewishcentre/